Crewe apprentice wins prestigious regional award

A talented young apprentice from Crewe has won a prestigious regional apprentice award at this year’s EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

Matthew Thorpe, 21, who works for Bentley Motors, took gold in the Final Year Business Apprentice Awards Award, sponsored by Siemens.

The award recognises the outstanding contribution being made by manufacturing apprentices across the region.

The award is highly-respected and hotly contested with winners selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics.

Matthew beat off competition across the region and won the title after impressing judges with his commitment, ambition and drive to pursue a career in manufacturing.

Judges said they had been overwhelmed by the high calibre of apprentices nominated this year, making Matthew’s win even more of an achievement.

Matthew is now in the running for the national title where he will go head-to-head with regional winners from across the UK at the national judging day next month; of which the awards gala will take place in London in January.

Apprentice Matthew said: “I am delighted to have won this regional award. It is both exciting and rewarding to have been recognised for my hard work, dedication and achievements during my time on the apprenticeship scheme.

“Apprenticeships are challenging yet rewarding and I hope my success in these awards encourages others to consider taking up similar schemes in the manufacturing sector. The assessment process has been a great experience and I am extremely proud to be representing the North West at the national judging next month.”